Eosinophilic esophagitis and refractory heartburn: Case report and review of literature

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which there is dense eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal lining epithelium. The adult form has only recently gained recognition as a distinct entity. Because of the reflux-type symptomatology, it is commonly misdiagnosed and treated as severe gastroesophageal reflux disease before an appro- priate diagnosis is made. We herein present a case of an asthmatic young woman in whom eosinophilic esophagitis was suspected based on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux dis- ease refractory to standard medical therapy. Biopsies taken from esophageal normal appearing mucosa were essential to establish the diagnosis. She was successfully treated with swallowed fluticasone.